Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Are You a Lover?

Excerpted from Inspiration from a Blind, brought to you monthly by www.ShirleyCheng.com! (I guess you are beginning to skip this every time now!)


Take my love, and do as you wish with it. I expect nothing in return, no acknowledgement, no obligation; for loving you is the biggest reward itself; it gives me complete happiness.


Love, ah the lovely, mysterious feeling. From love, all beautiful things bloom. Let's talk about loving life unconditionally. It goes hand in hand with gratitude--being grateful of your life unconditionally. When things go wrong in people's life, or when they don't get what they want, they start complaining about life. People often ask me what inspires me. I always give them my one-word answer: life. The last time I gave this answer, the woman laughed. She said that while I love life, people usually complain about life.


But does life complain about you? No matter what you do, if you've made a mistake, if you've done something wrong, the sun will always shine down upon you. The sun shines down on all people, good or bad. Why don't you return that unconditional love?


I value life as is, in its purest form. I am madly in love with the purity of life. Yes, call me a love sick gal! But let me ask you this: what would you have missed if your existence had never existed? I know I am able to laugh; I am able to weep. Without my life, I would be able to do none of these.


I am able to love life, as I start everything with appreciation. Before you start anything new, do anything new, and go anywhere new, appreciate what you have now. This appreciation will act like a cushion if you ever fall back to where you've started. Once you've achieved gratitude from the beginning, you'll not fear of losses; you'll be thankful for everything you'll gain.


I believe I was a very grateful child. True, I did not know about the concept of gratitude, along with other virtues of life, as I was merely an infant, but I was a very happy infant. Happiness starts with gratitude, especially the kind of happiness held by those who are in a less fortunate state than others. I was in intense physical pain when I was little, yet I smiled and laughed at every chance I got, even between cries of agony. I still remember pointing at pretty objects in the room as I cried my little heart out. Surely, I was grateful just to exist?


Often times, people take their fortunes for granted. They compare themselves with those who are richer, healthier, smarter, prettier, and so on, and never learn from those who are less fortunate than they are: the blind, the disabled, the homeless, the starved, and the abused and tortured. Yet, many of these people, including yours truly, are able to rise above their challenges and come out as happy, grateful human beings. Next time when you feel sorry for yourself, pay a visit to the homeless on the streets and the sickly in the hospitals and nursing homes. How would you like to exchange places with them?


In life, make the most of your situation; make the most of what you have. Everyone travels down his or her own road, but will ultimately arrive at the same end as all others. Everyone shares a common goal in life, and it is to die happy. If you could look back on your life and nod in approval, you'll know you have achieved your main goals in life. Sure, you've had ups and downs, but if you believe that you've done your best, then that's all that matters.


Enjoy your life while you can. Love life as much as you can. Time is primarily the only resource we have that will run out, so cherish your time on Earth while it lasts.


Shirley Cheng, blind and physically disabled 24-year-old award-winning author and motivational speaker, www.ShirleyCheng.com

Friday, July 27, 2007

CONTEST RULES DO NOT FAVOUR AUTHORS

I would like to voice an opinion that has bothered me for some years. The Galbraith Literary Award has prompted me to ask:

DO THESE CONTESTS BENEFIT ANYONE BUT THE ORGANIZATIONS?

I ask myself what quality literary story can be created in less than 3,500 words? Was the word count more for the judges to be able to skirt the applicants than to obtain a quality submission?

If I am asked to pay a fee, then why am I restricted from flogging my story elsewhere at the same time? This contest has a 6 month waiting period before determining if the submission won an undisclosed amount of money. That is a 6 month freeze of sending the story elsewhere. How many stories does an author write in 6 months?

I don't object to the contest -- only the rules. They are not author friendly. They are self-serving. With all due respects to the late Mr. Galbraith, have your contest but don't prevent an author from making a living. Once a fee is charged, the author should be a free agent. Does that make it difficult for the contest? That's not my concern. If the entry is free -- then I agree on a freeze.

A few years ago, I sent a story out to more than one venue. I received 3 requests to buy the story. Each told me I had to freeze the story for them. I made a choice and went with a New York magazine. Several months later the publisher notified me that they had decided to change the theme for the month my story was to appear and they were canceling.

Authors should be allowed to sell their story without restrictions when entering a contest that charges a fee. That's my opinion.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Cheryl Kaye Tardif on Publishers Marketplace

I am now on Publishers Marketplace.

Please show your support by clicking on the following link:

http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/cherylktardif/

(Especially if you are an agent or New York Publisher! :)

Thank you,
Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Infinite Space, Infinite God stops by on Aug. 29th


Infinite Space, Infinite God, edited by Karina and Robert Fabian, makes a stop at The Write Type on August 29th on its August virtual book tour.


"Virtual book tours are a terrific means for getting word out to readers," said Karina Fabian. "Blogs like The Write Type have audiences that are interested in books, quality fiction, and matters of writing, science and faith. We're visiting 43 sites over the month. We've had great fun preparing and expect to generate a lot of buzz about Infinite Space, Infinite God."

Infinite Space, Infinite God, which won the EPPIE award for best electronically-published science fiction, comes out in print August 15 from Twilight Times Books. It features fifteen stories about the future Catholic Church. They tell of Catholics struggling to evangelize to aliens and lost human colonies and to determine the soul-status for genetically modified humans, genetically-designed chimeras, and clones made from the Martian sand. They feature the adventures of religious orders devoted to protecting interstellar travelers and inner-city priests. Two stories explore how technical advances allow monks to live in solitude on the Moon and to help one criminal learn the true meaning of Confession. The introductions discuss present doctrine and current trends in technology to set the framework for the stories and to encourage discussion. (Media room available at http://isigsf.tripod.com/.)

The Fabians’ first anthology, Leaps of Faith, featured Christian SF and was a finalist for the 2003 EPPIE and 2004 Dream Realms awards. Karina Fabian helped found the Catholic Writer’s Guild, and Robert Fabian is a former speechwriter for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and writes about space policy. Learn more at http://www.fabianspace.com/.

Infinite Space, Infinite God is available in bookstores or online at http://www.twilighttimesbooks.com/.

So stop by The Write Type on August 29th to learn more.

Hosted by Cheryl Kaye Tardif of The Write Type.

Those moments we live for

Here’s sort of a random thought I had during a book signing last week for my new novel Shadow of Innocence (Kunati Publishers) :

I was in another huge Barns & Noble in Nashua, NH and they had given me a super spot - about 20 feet away from the main entrance by the new books table. But with all that, the fist 2 hours were very slow. The Barns & Noble CRM liaison couldn't have been nicer. She came up to me every 15 minutes to ask how it was going and announced every 10 minutes that "Kunati author of Shadow of Innocence, Ric Wasley" was up front and signing books.” (didn't I wish !)

Despite all of her help and me smiling and waving a every customer who came in the door, after the 2 hours that they'd advertised for my signing, I'd had some tire-kickers but had not sold a single book. But was I discouraged ? In a word - YEAH !

Kathy, the CRM, came over and was almost in tears. "I'm so sorry," she said, "this just happens sometimes. I know it's probably an imposition, but do you think you might be able to stay a little while longer. Maybe things will pick up after people get out of work."
Hummm, I thought, I suppose that would mean canceling my appointment for tea with the Queen and my date with Madonna, but... "Sure." I said, "I'll stay.”

That was apparently the offering that the 'Book Gods' had been waiting for, 'cause within 5 minutes I had a line at my table and was signing and schmoozing nonstop for the next hour !

Kathy estimated that I'd moved about 15 - 20 books by the time I left and then, bless her heart, she brought me another 25 copies to sign for the store and she also took my book table and set up a display right at the front of the store next to the New Books table!!

But amid that hour of frenzied signing I had what was probably one of the most personally gratifying (and humbling) experiences I've ever had.

I've mentioned that I was set-up right by the main entrance, and during the two hours when no one bought, a guy had stopped by my table on his way out. He was a really nice guy - a fire fighter/EMT.

We got talking and he really got interested in Shadow and asked “how much?” I told him $25 but that B&N always had some discounts. He looked stricken. Seems he just bought a copy of the new Janet Evanovitch book and had blown his cash and had no credit card. "I could try to find an ATM. How much longer will you be here?" He asked. At that time I was feeling ready to pack it in but said, "probably another hour or so."

"OK," he said. "I'll be back." Sure you will I, thought - you and the Terminator.

Well, more than an hour later, I was happily tallying up my sales and had gone to find the CRM to thank her, before leaving. As I came back to the table to start packing up my things, there was a guy standing in front of the table, a despairing look on his face. It was the guy.

When he saw me he broke into a big grin. "Hey, It's you." He said. "Whew, I thought you had already left. Sorry I took so long, but the first ATM I found was out of service so I had to drive to another mall." I actually found myself getting a little choked up.

I signed his book with a personal message and with more satisfaction than I think I've had at any of my signings so far. Then he asked me if I'd written anything other McCarthy mysteries. I told him Acid Test was the first novel in the series and that he could order it through B&N or Amazon. He wrote that down and asked if there were going to be more McCarthy mysteries and I said that I'd just finished the third one.

He then said probably what is the most satisfying and humbling thing anyone has ever said to me; "I'm going to be watching for it 'cause I plan on buying everything you ever write."

All I could do was to shake his hand and thank him.

That's something that will stay with me for a long, long time as one of those ‘little’ moments that does ‘Big’ things and really makes all the hard work and sleepless nights, worth it.

All the best
Ric

Ric Wasley
Author
Shadow of Innocence
Kunati - April 2007

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ric_Wasley
http://www.kunati.com/shadow-of-innocence-hip-myster/

New from Kunati Publishing: SHADOW OF INNOCENCE - The Newport Folk Festival provides a groovy backdrop for this fun and exciting mystery set in the music and drug soaked sixties. The Baby Boomers and everyone else are sure to enjoy this appealing mystery featuring a pair of musician partners in love and danger. Don't miss Shadow of Innocence! From Kunati Publishing. Available now on; Amazon ,Barnes & Noble and at bookstores everywhere.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

8 Random Things About...

The authors at The Write Type have been 'tagged'!

I challenge you to share some trivia. Either in a separate post or as a comment, please share 8 random things about yourself.

I have done so on my own blog http://cherylktardif.blogspot.com/.

So, come on....tell us something funny...or juicy. Inquiring minds wanna know. :)

Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
author of Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Suspense Author Cheryl Kaye Tardif - "Touring the World" virtually

August brings a very special event for Cheryl Kaye Tardif, author of the Amazon.ca bestseller Whale Song. Cheryl is the first Kunati author to organize her own virtual book tour. She will be "appearing" at a variety of websites and blogs over the entire month of August, sharing thoughts about writing, her novels, the publishing process, the characters in Whale Song and her newest novels success.

Cheryl will be interviewed on some of most popular book/author blog and websites, including BookPleasures and The Dark Phantom Review. Along with these insightful interviews, you can read reviews of Whale Song, listen to audiocasts of the prologue and a chapters or two, and maybe even read one of Cheryl's short stories.

Cheryl's "Touring the World" virtual book tour begins August 1st, so mark that down on your calendars. Then check out back here for more information. BOOKMARK THIS PAGE. Prizes will be given out at some of Cheryl's stops, so be sure to visit them all.

This event also comes at a great time for Kunati Books, with their new Great Summer Reads Contest. Read 3 or more Kunati titles and you could win FREE BOOKS!

And midway through "Touring the World", on August 12th, Cheryl is celebrating her 44th birthday in a BIG way! She will be giving away 44 prize packages.

Prizes:

Grand Prize: A limited edition collector’s copy (autographed) of the original Whale Song novel featuring cover art by world-famous David Miller; a beautiful Whale Song limited edition collector’s mug; an autographed copy of BOTH Divine Intervention and The River; and some beautiful bookmarks. Prize valued at approximately $100.00.

43 Second place prizes: Choice of either Divine Intervention or The River (autographed) and a beautiful bookmark.

Click HERE for more info on how you can win.

Waking Spirit - An Inspiring, Uplifting Mix of Boldness and Courage

4/5 Stars

Waking Spirit: Prose & Poems the Spirit Sings
by Shirley Cheng
ISBN: 9780615136806
May 6, 2007
Trade paperback; 144 pages; $14.97
Non-Fiction/Inspirational/Poetry

Waking Spirit: Prose & Poems the Spirit Sings is an emotional journey into the heart of a young woman who has faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles, yet has risen far above them in courage and perseverance. A combination of thoughtful, emotional prose, sweet poetry and spirited haiku, this book can’t help but make the reader feel powerful.

Waking Spirit begins with a foreword by Cynthia Brian, a New York Times bestselling author who met Shirley during a radio interview. It then takes you through a delightful concoction of stories and poetry, interspersed with “A Moment with Shirley”―an inspirational message for the reader.

I was drawn to the stories most of all, to that rare insight into the mind of an author who “dances” with joy in her heart. The stories of her relationship with her mother are compelling, although I know that they suffered many tragedies together and were separated for lengths of time by government policy. But they have conquered all! And that is what this book is really about. Conquering disease and not allowing it to hold you back. Overcoming obstacles of every shape and form so that one can reach his or her dreams.

Certainly each of us could learn from Shirley Cheng, a young woman who is blind and suffers from severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. She may be confined to a wheelchair in body, but her spirit soars far above, free and unhindered by negativity or pain. I have had the honor of calling her a friend for a number of years, and although we have never met in person, she has truly touched my life by her old-soul wisdom, which is far beyond her years. Shirley Cheng has delivered another work that is sure to inspire all ages, nationalities, whether abled, disabled or ultra-abled. I recommend Waking Spirit for anyone who needs a boost of encouragement or hope.

~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and the author of three mystery novels set in Canada―Divine Intervention, The River and the bestselling novel Whale Song.

Monday, July 02, 2007

Short Story: A Grave Error

If you are looking for A Grave Error, I apologize it is not here in full as it was recently published.
A sneak peek:

A Grave Error

©2007 Cheryl Kaye Tardif


Myrtle Murphy had everything she wanted out of life―a dead husband, a grown son who’d moved to the opposite coast and neighbors who minded their own business. But what she didn’t have was money. She needed a job. At sixty-one and living off a pittance of an early retirement pension, she had no skills to fall back on.

Unless you could call slipping your husband small doses of rat poison in his evening tea for over a month a skill. Yet, on the other hand, it had taken a certain amount of talent to flavor the tea―just so―to avoid being caught. And it had definitely taken a particular cleverness to dispose of Norman’s body...

You can read the rest for only .49 cents HERE.

Sunday, July 01, 2007

Whale Song wins book cover of the month

Sometimes people underestimate the power of the reader or fan. I am always humbled as an author when someone comments on my novels, and over the past three years I have had fans nominate me for awards. Being nominated in 2004 for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award was a huge honor. And even a nomination for a book cover award (which I had nothing to do with) makes me very grateful.


Whale Song was nominated by a fan to compete in Erin Aislinn's Book Cover of the Month contest. After nomination, it had to be accepted...and it was. For the month of June, 5 covers in total competed for the honor of May Book Cover of the Month.

http://www.erinaislinn.com/BookCoveroftheMonth.htm

Whale Song won!


I wish I could take credit, but I can't. All the credit for the beautiful, haunting cover go to Kam Wai Yu, from Persona Corp. Kam is an award-winning graphic artist who has designed all the Kunati book covers.

On behalf of Kam and Whale Song, I would like to thank everyone who voted. There are a lot of awards out there for book covers and books, voted on by people in the book industry. But to me, the contests voted on by fans and readers are the most special. Thank you!

To order Whale Song, please visit your favorite bookstore or online retailer.
Some quick links: